Inside the Miami Marlins with MLB.com beat writer Joe FrisaroTwitter

Volstad's rotation spot open

Now that Chris Volstad has been optioned to Triple-A New Orleans, the Marlins have a rotation opening that won’t be completely answered for a few days.

“Maybe we will have more after this weekend,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Volstad, who was sent down after Friday’s 9-5 loss to the Padres, would have been in line to throw on Wednesday, Sept. 2. against the Braves.

Internally, Rick VandenHurk may eventually get the nod. VandenHurk is pitching for Triple-A New Orleans, and his last start was on Thursday. So he would be ready to go.

Gonzalez said that the team is leaning toward keeping Burke Badenhop, who is on the disabled list, in the bullpen when he is ready to return.

Badenhop threw 3 1/3 innings in a rehab assignment in Jupiter on Friday. Badenhop is expected to be a September call-up.

The Marlins are interested in Brad Penny, who is expected to clear waivers and become a free agent on Monday. If Penny is signed, he could take the mound on Wednesday. The Red Sox recently released Penny, who also is drawing attention from the Giants and Yankees.

As for Volstad, the Marlins are looking to get the 22-year-old straigthened out. He falls in line to start for New Orleans on Wednesday. The Zephyrs’ season ends on Sept. 7, so he could get two starts at Triple-A.

“We’re kicking around what to do,” Gonzalez said.

The Marlins are looking for Volstad to regain his command and confidence. He may throw a couple of three-inning stints, or even skip pitching on Sept. 2 in hopes of refining his delivery while he clears his head.

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